Chandler injury not serious

How quickly Chris Chandler's 38-year-old body heals will determine how quickly the Bears' starting quarterback returns to the lineup, but that could be as soon as Sunday.

Results of an MRI revealed no serious damage had been done to Chandler's throwing shoulder Sunday when the Broncos' Trevor Pryce threw him to the cold ground of Invesco Field after a second-quarter sack. Chandler sprained the AC joint in his right shoulder, far less serious than his own postgame assessment of a mild separation.

Chandler showed up at Halas Hall on Tuesday for an evaluation that encouraged a Bears' staff that had feared the worst.

Team sources say the worst-case scenario would have Chandler missing two games and a best-case scenario, if he's a quick healer, would have him behind center Sunday when the Arizona Cardinals come to Soldier Field.

Coach Dick Jauron and the Bears' medical staff will have a better idea beginning Wednesday when the team resumes practice after two days off, but likely will not know until the end of the week. The Bears will list Chandler as "day-to-day."

Kordell Stewart, credited with saving the day in the 19-10 victory over the Broncos, has said Chandler's uncertain status will not affect his preparation. He will approach Sunday's game as if he were the starter.

As for rookie Rex Grossman, though the team wants Chandler back as soon as possible, some in the organization have pointed out the positives of Grossman getting increased repetitions in practice until Chandler is in good health.

The Bears remain committed to not playing Grossman until they are eliminated mathematically from the NFC playoffs. The durability of Grossman and Stewart, combined with Tuesday's positive prognosis on Chandler, helped the Bears decide against bringing in a third quarterback for practice purposes or an emergency.